Thanksgiving

PM#0473

The United States has set aside a day to be thankful for our blessings which come to us two ways:

• Ones that we have
• Ones that we give. 

We may sometimes recognize something as a blessing, but more often than not we need to be reminded of the many blessings around us.  We often forget the little things that really are a blessing—like a cup of cold water.  The old hymn is very true—“Count your Blessings”.  When we recognize our blessings, we will be surprised what God has done.

Then as we recognize our blessings, are we learning to reach out and bless someone else?  Blessings shared, bring much joy and encouragement to others.

I encourage you to take time today and count your blessings, and then look for ways to bless others. 

The Lord will help us do this if we ask Him in prayer.  “Father, help us to recognize our blessings and to be able to bless others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Politics and Religion

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Politics and Religion

Based on Proverbs 2:4-6a  "If thou seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures: Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah, And find the knowledge of God. For Jehovah giveth wisdom;"

Whenever there is a political race, some in the race want the support of Christians.  Now there is nothing fundamentally wrong with that desire.

We need to ask a real question and it needs to be truthfully answered.  Is that support sought for control purposes?  Or is it the result of one involved in politics to genuinely see God’s wisdom? 

I have been approached by many emotional appeals that sound good.  If I join them I need to ask will they focus on the Kingdom of God principles, or will the elevate one particular party or a candidate who will use that bandwagon to manipulate us?

Probably the best way to resolve this issue is to seek Godly wisdom, in earnestness, using God’s word. 

Consider this prayer ‘Father, I need your wisdom concerning the issues in the upcoming political race.  Please guide me according to your word”  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Veterans

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Veterans

John 15:13, Rom 12:14

Vietnam veterans were deeply hurt when protesters did not respect. 

The protestors had forgotten that our freedoms come with a cost, one which we fought to preserve, and some gave their lives to protect those freedoms. The Bible says in John 15:13 that ‘Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”  

Yes, veterans have experienced a rejection of that love as a country. Turning to God’s way, we should forgive and find ways to bless.  Rom 12:14 says “Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not.”

Fortunately, our country is now honoring its veterans.  Still, all of us who are veterans should consider this prayer:

Father, help me to continually find ways to bless my country, I forgive those who hurt us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have You Encouraged Someone Today?

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Heb 3:13

Many of us often think by telling a person what to do, we are encouraging them.  That can be helpful, but many times that directive approach does not really come along side of the person we are trying to encourage.  What we often forget that is Christ came along side of us, drawing us gently with His Love and listens to us where we are.

People are crying—come alongside of me.  Don’t preach at me.  Just listen, and help me consider Christ.

That may be putting it simplist, but it is true.  Let’s be honest with ourselves.  When is the last time that you actually came along side of someone and really reached out to help them?

Perhaps the Lord is telling us to come alongside and consider praying a prayer like this:

'Father, help me learn to come along side and help others, because of your Love for them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.'

Clearing Offenses

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John 1:9, Matthew 5:23-24

Have you heard the best defense is an offense?

You have done something that has offended or hurt someone.  If you don’t go to the other person to clear the offense, that offense dims the light affecting our vision.  When light is dim, we can’t see.

In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Light of the world.  (John 1:9).  If our eyes are full of darkness then we do not have the help of the light of Jesus.  If we wait for the person whom we hurt to come to us—it may not happen.  Correcting the offense is to go in humility to the other person.  (Matthew 5:23-24).  The action of going to the other person will remove an offense or hurt that has been blocking the light of Jesus to us.

Consider this prayer:  ‘Lord search me, and help me take the step to go to the brother whom I have offended or hurt, and ask forgiveness.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.’

Have You Thrown a Stone of Silence?

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Heb 3: 13

You have difficulty with a person we will call John, so you think the best way to keep peace is to keep silent. 

Actually that silence is a judgment of something you see in a person.

But you have never really gotten to know him.  Your decision to keep silent is definitely blocking getting to know him.  To carry the silence further, it includes never encouraging John.

The Bible says to “encourage one another daily”.  Heb 3:13.  This issue of silence towards another person goes directly against that scripture and is like throwing a stone at him.

What should we do?  It is time to repent of the judgments that we have made concerning John, and ask the Lord to help us find a way to encourage him.

Consider this prayer:  Father, I have made judgments against John.  I ask your forgiveness, and I ask your help to find ways to encourage him.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I Will Lift My Hands

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Ps 134:2

When you get excited at a game, what happens to your hands?  Do you keep them down beside you?  Probably not.  Most likely you make jesters with your hands that reflect your excitement.

For those who trust Jesus, they have much to be thankful for, and that should cause them to want to lift their hands to the Lord, in genuine thanks and praise.

Though we know that should happen, we should ask the question, when is the last time you used your hands and lifted them up to the Lord in praise and thanks giving?  Be honest now—the answer probably is not frequent enough.

I know the Lord will encourage us to do so, if we ask Him in prayer.

Lord, help me to be thankful and show you not only with my words, but with my hands too.  In Jesus' Nane, Amen.